Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Wow, all this treasure for only $6.99. This was my first thought as I began to download The Robert Glasper Experiment's "Black Radio" on iTunes this morning. I don't know how you may feel about downloading new music, but I always feel like I'm seven years old and its Christmas all over again. So I guess you get the picture....... I woke up at 6:30 this morning and there it was, ready for to be unveiled and unleashed into my ear lobes.

When you think of Robert Glasper, you begin to think of a young and brilliant pianist who embraces his jazz roots but also identifies with the hip-hop culture that he is inextricably bound to. Yes, he is signed to Blue Note Records. And, this does not have the a typical DNA of albums released under the Blue Note label. He may even receive negative criticism as a "jazz musician" for releasing this album. However, I believe that Glasper has undoubtedly made it clear that one can learn from the masters (of jazz) but, also follow in your own path and establish your own territory. Well that is exactly what he is doing. This is a great example of what I call simply good music. He is accompanied by his usual band members Chris 'Daddy' Dave, on drums, Derrick Hodge on bass, and Casey Benjamin on the alto saxophone.

Also, on this album you will hear a few of his friends who are in their own rights giants on the music scene. They are: Mos Def, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu, Ledisi, Laylah Hathaway, Lupe Fisco, Stokley Williams, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bilal, Chrisette Michele Yasiin Bey, and KING. I wont give your any rich textual ways of describe the music as if I'm some sort of music critic or writer of linear notes so all I will say for now is to go to iTunes right now and purchase this album you won't be disappointed.